How to Get to Istanbul
By Plane
To date, 64 international airlines operate to Istanbul, which has become a major regional hub for air transportation. There are two airports located on the European side of the city: New Istanbul Airport and Ataturk Airport. These airports have direct flights from 180+ major cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and North America. The third international airport is Sabiha Gokcen Airport, located on the Asian side. This airport has direct flights from 50+ cities in Europe, Middle East, and Asia. All airports have convenient transportation to the city center, where major hotels and the convention centers are located.
Turkish Airlines is the official airline of “PIMRC 2019” and special discounts are offered on certain booking classes. In order to proceed with the online booking tool for Turkish Conventions please visit the Turkish Conventions website https://www4.thy.com/TKC/app/main?language=en and use the event code “040TKH19” under delegate section.
By Train
Istanbul- Bucharest, Budapest, Vienna, Paris & London
Istanbul- Sofia & Belgrade
Istanbul- Thessaloniki & Athens by train
The train arrives at Halkali Train Station and the busses are available from the train station to the Congress Venue. For more information about ticket prices please visit: www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr.
By Sea
Foreign cruise ships and international ferries dock at the Passenger Hall in Karaköy at the northern end of the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn, right in the center of the city, and at Salıpazar just to the northeast. The location of the port is unique as it is very close to the historical areas of Istanbul; Eminönü, Istiklal, Karaköy and Galata.
How to Travel in Istanbul
An extensive network of buses, various rail systems, funiculars, an maritime services for more than 15 million inhabitants of the city spreading over an area of 5.712km2.
Taksim is the heart of Istanbul. Most of the lines begin/end in Taksim. Taksim Square is 15 minutes walk away from the Congress Venue. The area that the Congress Venue is located is one of the most historically valuable locations of Istanbul. Beyoğlu represents the modern culture and way of life that arose from Istanbul’s relationship with European countries in which Galata Tower is located. Next to the Beyoglu, Eminönü and Karakoy waits for those who are looking for a very nostalgic walk.
Metro
The Istanbul Metro is a mass transit underground railway network. Currently it comprises of 9 metro lines, 3 tram lines, cable car lines and funicular lines. Metro tickets are valid in all metro, tram, light rail, funicular, ferry boat and bus.
For Details: www.metro.istanbul/Home.
Funiculars
There are 2 different funicular lines in İstanbul. The older one – Tünel is the the second oldest one in the World after London. Two trains run every 3,5 minutes on a single rail line with a passing loop half way between the termini, and a trip takes 1,5 minutes. Second one is built after 131 years between Kabataş- Taksim Square. 15.000 people are transported daily and the modern funicular is running.
Bus System
Busses are useful for heading up to the Bosphorus coast to Ortaköy, Arnavutköy, Bebek and beyond. Most city buses (belediye otobüsü) are operated by the municipality, but there are olso private versions (halk otobüsü). Municipal busses are red and white or green; all have IETT written in the front. Private ones are pale blue and green. For more information you can visit www.iett.istanbul/en.
Taxi
Taking a taxi is an easy and cheap way to get around. You won’t have a problem findig a taxi, day or night. Taxis are bright yellow, with a roof mounted taksi sign. There is no room for haggling and no need to tip. If you cross the Bosphorus bridges, the toll will be added to the fare.
Dolmush (shared taxi)
The dolmush is shared taxi or jitney that runs between the city’s major centers. If you don’t get on at the departure point you can flag them down anywhere on their route. The destination of the dolmush is usually placed on the front window. Payment is made during the route but can also be done at the last stop if you are going to the end of the line. Popular routes are from Taksim to Tesvikiye, Bostanci, Kadikoy, Bakirkoy, Yesilkoy and from Kadikoy to Bostanci.